THE BIRTH OF JAMES BOND

Bond creator Ian Fleming

Author, journalist and naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming began writing his very first James Bond novel "Casino Royale" at his Jamaican retreat Goldeneye on 17 February 1952. Being experienced in espionage matters due to his service in World War II, Fleming had always wanted to write a spy novel.

Once finished and on the desk of publishing firm Jonathan Cape, it was only thanks to Fleming's brother Peter that it got published on 13 April 1953 as a hardcover. The cover was designed by Fleming himself.

FROM BOOK TO SCREEN

In 1959 producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli at Warwick Films expressed interest in adapting the Bond novels, but his colleague Irving Allen was unenthusiastic.In June 1961 Fleming sold a six-month option on the film rights to his published and future James Bond novels and short stories to Harry Saltzman, with the exception of Casino Royale, which he had previously sold.Towards the end of Saltzman's option period, screenwriter Wolf Mankowitz introduced him to Broccoli,and Saltzman and Broccoli formed Eon Productions with the intention of making the first Bond film.

A number of Hollywood studios did not want to fund the films, finding them "too British" or "too blatantly sexual".Eventually the two signed a deal with United Artists for 100 per cent financial backing and distribution of seven films,with financing of $1 million for the first feature. Saltzman and Broccoli also created the company Danjaq, which was to hold the rights to the films which Eon Productions was to produce. From then on, the Bond film series was set in motion.